Liverpool have included Mohamed Salah in their 23-man squad to Czech Republic for Thursday’s last-16 first-leg clash against Sparta Prague. While having the Egyptian available is a huge boost, Jurgen Klopp is still without a whole host of players as the Reds boss has left 18 more names out.
Klopp confirmed at the pre-match press conference on Thursday that Mo Salah has traveled with the team after he trained for two days. He said the Egyptian is happy to be back after being out since playing a good game against Brentford. The German manager then confirmed that with the part of the season they are in, having Salah back is good news, and he could feature in the game.
Liverpool is chasing a quadruple after winning the EFL Cup while they top the Premier League table and stay alive in the FA Cup. It seems the Reds are not leaving the UEFA Europa League out of the focus, with Klopp admitting that they have been doing their homework on their hosts.
“We’re not here for a friendly game. Over the years, my teams have developed a lot. Different systems, different ideas. This is the only game we play tomorrow, so it’s the most important. We wouldn’t have won the League Cup or the last eight of the FA Cup or the Europa League if we prioritise a competition. We got with each game with all we have. We watched them now, and it was an interesting week for them.” He said.
“A pretty special week, cup game won and kept distance in the table with a draw. The manager has turned it around, and by becoming champions after such a long time, they are playing with a clear idea. We expect a tough game, but we expect ourselves to play a top game, and if we do that, we’re not a joy to play against.” Klopp added.
Liverpool needed a late goal from Darwin Nunez in their last Premier League game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
In other UEFA Europa League games slated for Thursday, Roma wI’ll host Premier League side Brighton, and Bundesliga table toppers Bayer Leverkusen will travel to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag. Elsewhere, AC Milan will host Slavia Prague, Benfica will face Rangers, Freiburg host West Ham and Marseille against Villarreal.
Daniel Ademiju Idowu
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